Mass at church and at home

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belong.” -Matthew 19:14

Attending Mass is something children learn to do with their families. It can be hard for children to understand why they have to quietly sit for an hour and not know what is going on. Remember that children learn “Mass etiquette” as they watch you. Take time before or after Mass to walk through the church and point out and explain different things such as the tabernacle, baptismal font, altar, and so on. If you attend the Sunday morning Masses, be sure to stop for doughnuts after Mass or the pancake breakfast so the children may build community in their parish home. ​

﻿​Suggestions for parents with children at Mass• Some families find that sitting near the front help children see. • Share the hymnal with children, or purchase a children's Missal. We recommend The Mass for Children by Jude Winkler.• Quietly explain to your children what is happening during the Mass.• Encourage children to place their own money or the family’s envelope in the collection basket.• Squeeze your child's hand during the Consecration to help them engage in the Mass. • Encourage children to extend the sign of peace to those around them.• Please avoid bring children snacks. Books that they enjoy, the MagnifiKid, a Bible, or their own rosaries are encouraged.

And at home. . . • Teach your children the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary and other prayers used regularly at Mass.• Make prayer an important family time. Let children offer their petitions too. Children are never too young to learn the “routine” of prayer, be it the rosary or bedtime prayers.• Talk about the Mass at home, recalling stories or reading the bulletin together.• Read the Bible, perhaps Sunday’s readings or another favorite story (Holy Heroes).• Learn some hymns together and sing.• Instill an attitude of celebration on Sundays. Let Sundays be the days of rest, just as God intended them.

• Have patience with the learning process; as we are all growing Children of God!